The lads have given you great advice. It's really what you can afford to run. Cost of buying, tax etc, the car won't be that much different.
IF it's to buy and flip for profit, you need to be able to do everything yourself (I can do jack sh*t, not an option for me).
Modified WRX has just as much performance as an STI. Take CiaranWRX's as an example.
STI v WRX in long term value, STI gets that, but how much and to what level... time will tell. Perhaps only the special breed likes S202, S203, S204, T25, RB320 etc.. will make any difference in that department.
My opinion, like everything above. If you've time to build on the power/mods/performance, you can do that on a WRX and make it a 300-320bhp machine and have 100% fun in it. Provided you want to keep it long term, develop it, but know that any STI/WRX will cost you regardless... Insurance, Tax, Petrol, Maintenance etc.
Everyday v weekend or summer car.
But really depends on your goal at the end of the day.
Best advice I can give is:
1. Start with something quality to begin with (STI or WRX).
2. Have a full plan from the start... an endgame... you want 350bhp with X, Y, Z... plan it out from the start... don't do what everyone seems to do when cash is tight, change one wee thing at a time... you could end up with Frankenstein's deranged mother, Fransico-stein and an awful car.
So plan it out. Record everything.
Last peice of advice... BEFORE you buy anything... stick photos of it up here... the folks in the club have a mountain of knowledge between them. They'll know if you should be careful or avoid, full stop.
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